Looking for an evaluator for your program? For your research project?
Contact CEPR about an evaluation
Q: How much does an evaluation cost?
A: CEPR's rates are extremely competitive. Our budget will depend on our scope of work, length of project, data collection methods (e.g., interviews vs. online surveys), researchers' time, anticipated travel, supplies, and indirect costs. Federal agencies have the option to use IU’s GSA MOBIS schedule.
For units/departments within IU, CEPR’s costs are proposed in conjunction with the main department’s proposal submission to the agency. CEPR is included in the proposal document routing.
For projects outside of IU, CEPR’s component will be submitted with approval from IU's Office of Research Administration and, if awarded, arranged as a subcontract between the external institution/organization and the Trustees of Indiana University.
Q: Looking for a research partner?
A: You may need skills to conduct your research that you may not have, or there are parts of a research plan that you do not have the time to do. CEPR research staff can conduct research or assist you with parts of your research. We have an array of skills and expertise to assist you with your research project, such as technical assistance to develop your research plan (including logic models, goals, objectives, and performance measures), data instrument development, data analyses, reporting, publications, and presentations.
Q: Do you work with units/departments within Indiana University?
A: CEPR works with both internal and external clients. For both, CEPR's rates are extremely competitive. Our budget will depend on our scope of work, length of project, data collection methods (e.g., interviews vs. online surveys), researchers' time, anticipated travel, supplies, and allowed indirect costs.
Q: In a program evaluation, what sort of feedback will CEPR provide?
A: CEPR's evaluation plans emphasize communication and collaboration as integral components of the evaluation process. Communication with the client and key stakeholders may occur through both formal and informal means and may include progress reports; conference calls; face-to-face meetings; and, presentations to stakeholder groups. Specific details related to feedback, reports, communication strategies, and timelines will be established in collaboration our clients.
Q: I'm looking for an external evaluator for my research proposal. What information should I share if I'm interested in working with CEPR? When should I contact CEPR?
A: Please contact cepr@indiana.edu, and our research development specialist will get back to you within 24 hours. Include in your email: the RFP (PDF/URL), a draft proposal narrative or abstract, the due date, and, if possible, your budget allowances for an evaluation. In order to provide you with a thorough and thoughtful evaluation--tailored to your project and the funder's requirements--please allow CEPR's research team at least two weeks to prepare a budget, scope of work, timeline, letter of support, and other documents as needed and required.
Q: For my research proposal, how will CEPR be included in my submission?
A: For units/departments within IU, CEPR’s costs are proposed in conjunction with the main department’s proposal submission to the agency. We will work with IU's Office of Research Administration (ORA) and CEPR will be included in internal proposal approval processes. For projects outside of IU, CEPR’s evaluation plan, and accompanying budget, will be provided with approval from IU's Office of Research Administration as a subcontract between the external institution/organization and the Trustees of Indiana University.
Q: Looking for evaluation and/or policy research for your initiative, program and/or intervention?
A: We can work collaboratively with your organization to design and implement an evaluation that best meets your specific needs and purposes. CEPR research staff have experience with all aspects of evaluation and policy research and can provide services ranging from consultation, training, and capacity building to conducting comprehensive, large-scale evaluation of your program's impact and effectiveness. We combine a client-focused approach with the strongest methodological expertise and experience to help inform your decision-making about policies, practices, and programs.
Q: What is a logic model?
A: A logic model is a visual framework to get you thinking about the outcomes of your project (i.e., program goals) and how you will measure those outcomes to show impact. (The W.K. Kellogg Foundation is a great resource for developing a logic model.) Your performance measures must be S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely).